The meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons" (composition of the writer I.S. Turgenev)

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

One of the most famous novels by J. S. Turgenev was written in the period 1860-1861, on the eve of the abolition of serfdom. In Russia at that time there was a turning point, a junction of conservative and innovative thinking, a struggle of ideologies. It was this conflict that was demonstrated on the example of the Kirsanov family, as well as the most important problem - the confrontation between generations: fathers and children, which was laid down in the meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons". A brief description of the plot, as well as a subsequent analysis of the work, is offered below. However, first of all, you need to refer to the name.

Meaning of title

Undoubtedly, the most important question regarding the work is the meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons". Turgenev's writing should not be interpreted too literally. The work depicts two families, two fathers and two sons. But the body of the novel is not a description of their life, but global differences in worldview. The meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons" lies in the fact that between the two generations there will always be some kind of contradiction, parents and children are opposed to each other, separated by the union And in writing. In fact, theirseparates the whole abyss - a quarter of a century or more. During such a period, the political, economic, cultural situation in the country and, of course, the views of the public can completely change. One generation retains its worldview, the other acquires its own, and this happens regularly, the views on the life of fathers and children rarely coincide. The meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons" is connected with this. The composition of I. S. Turgeneva teaches that there is nothing prejudicial in such antagonism, what is important is only respect for each other on both sides, respect for parents, acceptance of their advice, parting words and good wishes.

Ideologies in the novel

The meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons" by Turgenev is also connected with the affiliation of sons and fathers to various ideologies that are contemporary to each generation. The novel presents two families - the Kirsanovs and the Bazarovs - and several ideological worldviews: conservative, liberal, revolutionary-democratic. The latter belongs to one of the key figures of the novel - a nihilist, a follower of German materialists and a future doctor - Evgeny Bazarov. Bazarov creates the main resonance in the work. He argues with the Kirsanov brothers, instructs Arkady, frankly despises the pseudo-nihilists Sitnikov and Kukshina, and then, contrary to his views, unrequitedly falls in love with the we althy widow Anna Sergeevna Odintsova.

Characterization and analysis of heroes

Bazarov's parents act as conservatives in the work. An army doctor and a pious landowner lead a measured life in their village. They do not have a soul in the son, but the motherconcerned about his lack of faith. Nevertheless, the Bazarovs are proud of Yevgeny and his successes, they are sure that a great bright future awaits him. Vasily Bazarov reports that in his entire life, Eugene did not take a penny from them, that his son prefers to achieve everything himself. These features characterize him as a strong, self-sufficient, progressive person. This image is also relevant for the modern era.

Pseudonigilism of Arkady Kirsanov

Bazarov's close friend Arkady Kirsanov does his best to match Yevgeny in his confession of nihilism. However, in his case, it looks unnatural, far-fetched. Arkady himself does not fully believe in the denial of spiritual values. He is flattered by the realization of his own advanced views, he is secretly proud of himself for his condescension to his father's beloved - the servant of the Kirsanovs' house - and frankly admires Bazarov. At the same time, Arkady is sometimes forgotten, the mask falls off his face, and he blurts out his true feelings. While still a staunch nihilist, Arkady is also in love with Odintsova, but later prefers her sister Ekaterina.

Worldview of the "fathers"

The Kirsanov brothers - Nikolai and Pavel - supporters of liberalism. Nikolai Petrovich is a man of fine mental organization, he loves poetry and literature, and also has quivering feelings for his maid Fenichka, a commoner girl who is nevertheless the mother of his youngest son. Nikolai Petrovichis embarrassed by his love for a peasant girl, although he tries to pretend that he is far from prejudice, has advanced views on everything, including agriculture.

Pavel Petrovich Kirsanov is Bazarov's main opponent in disputes. Between men at first sight there is hostility, they are the complete opposite of each other both externally and internally. The well-groomed Pavel Petrovich frowns in disgust at the sight of Bazarov's long hair and unkempt clothes. Yevgeny, on the other hand, laughs at Kirsanov's mannerisms and cuteness, not hesitating to use sarcasm and prick the enemy more painfully.

The way they pronounce the key word "principle" is also different. Bazarov pronounces it sharply and abruptly - "principe", while Kirsanov slowly stretches and emphasizes the last syllable in the French manner - "principe". The relationship between the enemies reached the peak that the debaters even fought duels. The reason for this was Bazarov's insult to the honor of Fenechka, whom he kissed firmly on the very lips. Pavel Petrovich himself felt unequivocal sympathy for the girl, in connection with which he decided to defend her name by challenging Bazarov to a duel. Fortunately, her outcome was not fatal, Kirsanov was only wounded in the leg, while Evgeny remained unharmed at all.

Such examples illustrate the completely opposite attitude of representatives of different generations and different ideological views to typical life situations and also reflect the meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons". The writingI. S. Turgenev turns out to be much deeper than it might seem at first glance.

Summing up, we can say that the interest of literary critics today and earlier is not only the meaning of the title of the novel "Fathers and Sons", the work of I. S. Turgenev is also significant for its heroes - multifaceted and ambiguous, complex, but memorable. Each of them demonstrates the talent of the writer, his understanding of the human essence and subtle psychologism.